High Res TIFF (2.6 MB)

Artificial Muscles Used as Miniature Wipers

These photographs demonstrate artificial muscles, or electroactive polymers (EAPs), which are lightweight strips of highly flexible plastic that bend and function similarly to human fingers when electrical voltage is applied to them.

These are EAP actuators that are planned for use as miniature wipers to clear dust off the viewing windows of optical and infrared science instruments on future missions.

Further information about JPL EAP research:

http://ndeaa.jpl.nasa.gov